Tesla doesn't follow the standard automotive industry vehicle update cycle, as it is known to update its models partway through a production year instead of rolling updates into a year-end refresh. Still, the automaker does occasionally roll out more traditional model-year updates. That's the case with the newly refreshed Model 3, previously known only by its codename, Project Highland, which recently debuted in Europe and China. The car will eventually reach the United States, but the European model sports impressive range estimates, refined styling, and a more upscale interior with updated tech.
While Tesla has thus far only released specs and pricing for the European and Chinese market cars, many of the Model 3's features will translate to the U.S.-market model. It's crucial to note that the specs listed for the Chinese and European market cars differ significantly because of the standards used to measure range and output. So, the car that lands in the U.S. could also have differing specs from the numbers listed here.
Tesla offers two main configurations: the standard Model 3 and the Model 3 Long Range. As of this writing, Tesla hasn't given a release date for North America. However, industry observers expect the electric-vehicle (EV) maker to bring the car here in early 2024.
To the untrained eye, the new Model 3 doesn't appear to have changed, but its exterior has subtle updates. The front end is slightly sharper, and the headlights are slimmer with new LED daytime running lights. The car's greenhouse shape has mostly stayed the same, and it still features the neat flush-mount door handles from earlier model years. Around the rear, the updated Model 3 has new LED taillights. Tesla also came up with new wheel designs, but they're not radically different than its current offerings.
The new Model 3's interior sees more dramatic updates, including a cool LED lightbar that runs from the front doors across the dash. The steering column no longer houses a turn signal stalk, and Tesla hid the air vents under a small ledge on the dash. The automaker says it installed more robust acoustic material to reduce road and wind noise further. Synthetic leather upholstery is standard, along with heated and ventilated front seats. Tesla also promises improved interior quality over prior model years.
Tesla doesn't advertise horsepower and torque numbers like every other automaker and opts instead to detail range, top speed, and acceleration. The base Model 3 offers around 318 miles of range using the WLTP standard, which tends to be less conservative than the EPA's range estimates. That likely means an entry-level range of 275 to 300 miles, which is still a solid baseline. According to Tesla, acceleration to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes 6.1 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). The Model 3 Long Range has a range of around 391 miles (629 km), all-wheel drive, and a zero-to-62-mph time of 4.4 seconds. Its top speed still tops out at 201 km/h.
Tesla equips most advanced safety tech as standard, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. It also offers two semi-autonomous driving features: Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability. While neither feature allows the Model 3 to drive itself and the driver must remain alert and in control at all times, they offer an extra layer of assistance that lets the driver take their hands off the steering wheel in some cases and let the car help monitor the external environment.
The Model 3's all-new interior still focuses on the massive center touchscreen display, which measures 15.4 inches in the new car. There's also an 8-inch rear touchscreen, but the star of the show is Tesla's control center. All vehicle functions—from the gear selector and speedometer to streaming video games while charging—take place on the screen. Tesla doesn't offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and instead relies on its in-house interface, but the functionality is better than expected. The display resolution and visibility are excellent, and it's a relatively easy system to learn.
The updated Model 3 will have no shortage of competitors when it arrives. Hyundai hit home runs with the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, and the related Kia EV6 is just as fantastic. The Polestar 2 takes a luxurious approach to electrification, and its interior is one of the most visually appealing in its class. On the budget side, the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV offer great value and features, and the Hyundai Kona Electric isn't far behind.
Tesla Europe/China is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of September 6, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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